There’s no denying that the pandemic sent performers into a tailspin when venues were forced to shut down. Most are self-employed, doing gig work, and not only missing the income during this time of lockdown, but also the soul-soothing satisfaction of performing for a live audience. Bridgeport High School alumna Scott Simons, whose notable work is featured with his band TeamMate, his work on America’s Got Talent and his voice work on Paw Patrol, was one of only three performers to be selected for Entrepreneur Magazine’s most recent feature on the impact of COVID-19 for performers.

 

The feature, “Don’t Knock the Cameo Hustle,” centers around the platform, Cameo, developed in 2016. The original concept was to have celebrities send personalized messages to fans for a fee.  The app took off and now has movie starts, television stars, musical performers, athletes and influencers among their clients.

 

In March, when live sports and musical performances began to shut down, Cameo became a place where entertainers could remain visible and earn money.  The shelter in place order created a new type of entertainment venue for new and established artists, including Scott Simon.  Entrepreneur Magazine interviewed Simons to see how he used the app and how it impacted his career.

 

Although hesitant at first, Simons decided to use the Cameo app to benefit charity.  He has raised over $1200 and counting for the Los Angeles-based homeless advocacy organization, Midnight Mission.  Because  America’s Got Talent production shut down and the crisis for homelessness increased during the lockdown, Cameo performances of his Paw Patrol theme song became a viable outlet to help others by using his musical talent. 

 

Among those who requested Simon’s performance on Cameo was Jason Biggs, of American Pie and Orange is the New Black fame.  He serenaded Bigg’s family and countless others during the pandemic so far using Cameo and plans to continue it even as America’s Got Talent resumes production. 

 

Like many musicians, Simons was not thinking of the business end of the music business when he began jamming in cover bands.  Entrepreneur Magazine’s interview was a surprise for the song writer and performer but now that he has been in the music industry for years, he realizes the importance of strong business skills needed for entertainers.  

 

Simon’s work with AGT is resuming and his band TeamMate just released a song called “Landlocked” and he has been doing weekly live piano bars online on Facebook, YouTube and more the past few weeks.  Always one to recognize human rights issues, Simons splits his tips with Color of Change, the nation’s largest online organization for social justice.  Together, they have raised over $1000 in three weeks. 

 

By using resources such as Cameo and social media platforms, Simons has found ways to continue performing while benefitting organizations that benefit homelessness and racial justice as he navigates his way back to what might be a new version of normal performances.  His weekly online performances can be found at www.linktr.ee/scottsimonsmusic.